The future of a generation is in our hands

We are on a mission to get more people playing golf; simply
because it is such a great, healthy sport that is suitable for all ages and all
physical abilities.

The fact is, you do not have to be a great golfer with a low
handicap to enjoy playing the game!

I truly believe there is a golfer in everyone and my 20+
years as a golf pro have proven to me so many times that this is definitely the
case.

Unlike a game of badminton or tennis; if one player is much
better than the other then there is no contest and it isn’t much fun for ether
player.

Golf is different… it is just you, against yourself and the
golf course. A fascinating game that provides so many positive opportunities
for new lifelong friendships, health (both physical and mental), business and
enjoyment.

I have repeatedly expressed my concern over the years at the
amount of time our children are spending in front of screens and not outdoors
exercising face to face with real people.

I have seen a rapid decline in the hand eye coordination of
young kids that come to golf and I have no doubt this is because they are
spending way too much time just moving their fingers and thumbs on a controller
or screen and not developing fundamental movement skills necessary for a long
and healthy life.

Now don’t get me wrong, most kids today will kick my
backside at Fifa or Fortnite and to be honest I certainly enjoyed my time playing Sensible
Soccer and the like on my Amiga back in the day. But I mixed it with plenty of
time kicking a football about, playing catch, hitting a tennis ball up against
the wall etc.

In that time, as a young boy, I developed the hand eye
coordination and movement skills that enabled me to become a good golfer as
well as play badminton and hockey to a high level too.

It is not my place to tell anyone how to parent but please… go for a game of catch with your kids, have a kick about in the park and perhaps even book them on to a series of coaching sessions with your local PGA golf pro.

Golf teaches more than just how to play a game; such as etiquette, how to get along and how to be supportive of one another…for instance; how they don’t have to put someone else’s candle out to make their own burn brighter. It teaches self determination and perseverance in a World where many seek and expect instant gratification. It’s also a game can enjoy playing independently in a safe environment.

As the recent John Lewis advert says… ‘some gifts are more
than just a gift’ and it is our responsibility as parents to ensure our
children are more than just academics and good at using computers (though
recent research has proven that having good fundamental movement skills aids
academic abilities).